Help me not panic - stupid claustrophobia

[Dazedandconfused28]

I feel like such an idiot - I have horrendous claustrophobia. I can't use the tube or lifts. I'm on a train today & am so panicked about it stopping on the tracks & being unable to get off.

It's not a long journey, but the fear is horrendous, I'm on the train now & can feel the panic rising. Has anyone got any good tips for me, so I don't humiliate myself? Or can offer a kind word? xx

Could you wear headphones, close your eyes and listen to calming music, a ted talk or something specifically to help with claustrophobia?

Have you ever had CBT or hypnotherapy to help you cope better?

I feel for you. I suffer similarly. For me it’s not physically being in a lift or on the tube, it’s the idea of getting stuck in one that makes me panic. I find I’m okay on trains as long as I can see the fresh air outside (wouldn’t cope with being stuck on one in a tunnel). Can you see outside? Is it an overground train? I would try to focus on the sky and the outdoors in general to give you a sense of space if you can. Not sure if that will help but it works for me.

Or yes,, alternatively closing your eyes and focusing on just slowly breathing in and out might help.

Can you find something to watch on YouTube? When I’m panicky, watching some stand-up comedy, or funny bits from a tv show etc are good because they don’t require thinking but are a bit of a distraction. Something light hearted on Netflix could also work?

Thank you for your posts. Yes I've tried CBT & hypnotherapy - nothing seems to touch it - like a pp it's the thought of being trapped.

I hate being like this, it really limits my life, I can't bear it.

Keep posting here, OP.

Look at something online eg holidays (even if you know you’re not going anywhere) winter coats on sale, etc.

Play today’s wordle

Hello. I feel like this too, especially the train stopping on the tracks thing. I couldn't get on a train for a year or so it was that bad. Does the train have windows you can open? I always feel relieved when it's a train with open windows as I know I can breathe in fresh air, or climb out the window if something happens to the train.

I close my eyes and take deep breaths. If the train stops mid way between stations I concentrate on deep breathing and stop when it starts moving again. I also read the paper intently. Similar to what I do when flying. I hope you reach your destination soon. Anywhere nice?

Can you close your eyes and think about somewhere you love being, the sounds you hear when you're there, the smells.

If you like being in your garden, can you hear the birds chirping in the trees, the feel of the breeze over your skin, the smell of cut grass and distant bbqs.

I'm like this, especially on a plane or going through a tunnel on a train. I just try to close my eyes and take deep breaths. The worst one was the Bristol to Cardiff train that goes under water.

Thank you for posting, I don't feel so pathetic. I'm trying to sleep or trick my body into thinking it's a nice opportunity to relax! But every time I feel the train slow down the panic comes back. I used to enjoy train travel